GEORGIA - Kakheti Wineries & Sighnaghi

Kakheti is Georgia's fertile wine region with beautiful monasteries and wineries. Georgia is the birth place of wine making and archaeologist found the oldest traces of wine production in Georgia dating back to more than 5000 BC.

Merry Christmas 2014

Merry Christmas 2014! Tis the season to be jolly. Christmas is the spirit of giving and we are joyful because we see the happiness in people.

GEORGIA - Nekresi, Gremi & Telavi

First unified as a kingdom in the 9th Century, Georgia is considered the ‘must visit’ country in the Caucasus region and currently receives the most tourist compared to Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Majority of Georgia’s population practices Orthodox Christianity and since Georgian Orthodox Church is one of the world’s most ancient Christian Churches, there are many old churches to be seen in Georgia as Christianity was adopted as the state religion of eastern Georgia since the 4th Century.
  

AZERBAIJAN - Travel Recommendation

Azerbaijan is a country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. Eurasia is located at the crossroads of Western Europe and Eastern Asia, thus the name Eurasia. Azerbaijan is the first Caucasus countries that I visited which I stayed for 4D3N. I spent 2 days exploring Baku, its capital, before moving on to Shaki and crossed the border over to Georgia.

AZERBAIJAN - Shamakhi

Shamakhi is an ancient Azerbaijan city and is the historical center of the region of Shirvan. The city is populated since 5th century BC and between the 9th – 16th century, it was the capital of Shirvan Empire. The capital of the province of the Russian Empire was also in Shamakhi until the devastating earthquake in 1859 where it was moved to Baku.

AZERBAIJAN - Baku Downtown City Tour

Baku is the capital city of Azerbaijan and it is also the largest city in the world located below sea level. I’ve explored the Old City of Baku. It’s time to explore the modern city Baku really is.

AZERBAIJAN - Ateshgah (Fire Temple) & Yanar Dag (Fire Mountain)

Azerbaijan’s emblem is the fire symbol and it is named “land of eternal fire” for good reasons. It used to be so rich in oil and gas, that oil was oozing out of the ground naturally and natural gas fire blazes continuously in several places.

AZERBAIJAN - Baku Old City Tour

Azerbaijan is one of the countries in the Caucasus region. This country was once incorporated into the Soviet Union until it proclaimed its independence in 1991. Around 95% of the population are Muslims. It is one of the birthplaces of oil industry. Its rich oil and natural gas largely contribute to the country’s fortune.

QATAR - Souq Waqif, Doha

Souq Waqif is located in the old part of Doha and is considered the Old City Centre. Souq Waqif’s translation from Arabic word is the standing market. Souq Waqif is a place where people in Doha to gather, have a good meal or just for a walk while enjoying the surroundings. This market dates back a hundred years, where people will bring their sheep, goats and wools to trade. The one you currently see is a rebuilt one, where it was redeveloped to look like a 19th century souq with mud buildings. It is now one of the main tourist destination in Doha.

The distinctive curled minaret of Fanar, Qatar Islamic Cultural Center is hard to miss while in the Souq.

EGYPT - Cairo, Memphis & Alexandria

The ultimate target of anyone visiting Egypt is probably the majestic Giza Great Pyramids and the Great Sphinx. It is the only Seven Wonders of The Ancient World that remains intact. How cool is that?

EGYPT – Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan & Abu Simbel

For the next few days, I journeyed South along the Nile River from Luxor up to Aswan, visiting some of the ancient cities on the way.

EGYPT - Luxor

My trip to Egypt was the second trip that I went together with my beau back in 2007. The mystical Egypt is truly a place to be visited at least once in your lifetime. Sadly, Egypt’s unrest is still happening till now since 2012. I’ll just post a brief description of some of the places I’ve been in Egypt.

Luxor is the first city that I visited. It is a city in Upper Egypt and it is often hailed as world’s greatest open air museum. Luxor is also one of the hottest, sunniest and driest cities in the world and I experience it myself while in Luxor.

CAMBODIA - Siem Reap

Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor Archaeological Park which attracts tourist from worldwide. Angkor Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992. It covers a vast area of 400 square kilometres and contains the remains of several ancient capitals of the Khmer Empire from 9th to 15th century.

CAMBODIA - Phnom Penh

I travelled to Cambodia back in 2007 and it was quite memorable because it is the first time that I travelled with my beau. I visited both Phnom Penh city which is the capital of Cambodia and Siem Reap where the site of Angkor Wat is.

JAPAN–Tokyo Shopping District

On my last day in Tokyo, I visited a few must-visit hot spot in Tokyo: Harajuku, Omotesando Hills, Shibuya, Shinjuku and Akihabara.

JAPAN - Ghibli Museum, Mitaka

I’ve always been a fan of anime from Studio Ghibli and I’ve watched almost every anime produced by them. But unfortunately the Ghibli Museum was under renovation at that time. So I wasn’t able to purchase a ticket and went in. Regardless of that, I still decided to pay Ghibli Museum which is located in Mitaka a visit.

QATAR - Doha

Qatar is an Arab country located in the Middle East and is still not a very well known country all over the world as they just started developing their country in the 90s. Qatar is not know for the largest or tallest title like their neighbour Dubai, but Qatar has held the title of Richest Country based on GDP per Capita since 2010. Of course for those football fans out there, you will also know that Qatar will host the FIFA World Cup in 2022. 

I’m now residing in Doha, the capital of Qatar and have been here for a month. So where have I been so far?

JAPAN – Tokyo City Tour (Tokyo Tower)

It was my free and easy day at Tokyo. So I decided to visit some iconic buildings in Tokyo including the Tokyo Imperial Palace and Tokyo Tower.

THAILAND - Phuket Peal Farm and Floating Restaurant

It was my last day in Phuket and I decided to dine at the Phuket Floating Restaurant or known locally as krachang.

THAILAND - Learning Scuba Diving in Phuket

The main objective that I came to Phuket this time is to learn Scuba Diving. It is a 3 day course that allows us to earn the licence to dive.

THAILAND - Phuket, Kata

Kata Beach is situated directly south of Karon. It is more family oriented and more peaceful than Patong. Its clear water and white sand attracts many tourist.

THAILAND - Phuket, Patong

Patong is the main beach resort area on Phuket. Patong is the place to party and play. Other than the beach the town’s bustling nightlife which includes hundreds of restaurants, GoGo Bars and bars will keep you entertained.

THAILAND - Phuket, City Tour

Being Thailand’s largest island and receiving nearly 10 million tourist yearly, Phuket needs no further introduction. Phuket is about 25% smaller than Singapore and the main income derives from tourism.

JAPAN - Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Disneyland is the first Disneyland that is built outside the United States. Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea are the only Disney parks not wholly or partially owned by the Walt Disney Company. Since opened in 1983, Tokyo Disneyland is the most profitable Disney Resort.

JAPAN – Tokyo Day 1 (Asakusa, Ginza, Shinjuku)

We are finally here in Japan’s capital city, Tokyo after 8 days of traveling!

JAPAN–Hakone & Mt. Fuji

Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan, measuring 3,776m high. Its symmetrical cone and often snow capped top is a well known symbol of Japan.

JAPAN–Kyoto

Kyoto was the capital of Japan from 794 to 1868. Due to its historic value, the city was spared from the atomic bomb and air raids during World War II. As a result, numerous palaces, shrines and temples survive in the city today.

JAPAN – Osaka

Osaka is the third most populated city in Japan after Tokyo and Yokohama.

JAPAN – Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle is considered one of Japan’s most spectacular castle. It was never destroyed in wars, earthquakes or fires. I dared say this oriental castle is equally breath-taking as its western counterpart.

JAPAN - Hiroshima

The first thing that comes to my mind if one ask me about the impression of Hiroshima is it is the city where the first atomic bomb was dropped in 1945.

JAPAN - Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi is the most south prefecture in Honshu island, Japan.

JAPAN - Beppu

Beppu is one of Japan’s most famous hot spings area, producing more hot spring than any other area in the country. It is situated between the sea and the mountains. The eight hells of Beppu is a tourist attraction, with six of these located in Kannawa district and remaining two in the more remote Shibaseki district. 

JAPAN - Mount Aso

Mount Aso is not only the largest active volcano in Japan, it is also the world’s largest caldera. The Kumamoto Prefecture where it was located was once known as Hi no Kuni (Land of Fire).

JAPAN–Takamori

Takamori is a small town in Aso district, Kumamoto Prefecture. You can opt to drop by here before you visit the famous Mount Aso.

JAPAN - Nagasaki

Nagasaki used to be a small fishing village which eventually became a port after the Portugese found it. It quickly became famous after it became the second area in Japan struck by the United States’ atomic bomb in 1945.

JAPAN - Fukuoka

Japan is one of the best country I’ve ever been to. I went there in 2010, just a year before the devastating Tsunami happened. I joined the Apple Holiday 10D8N 2000km tour. And my first stop is Fukuoka. Fukuoka is Kyushu’s largest city.

INDONESIA - Mount Merapi

Mount Merapi is the most active volcano in Indonesia and has erupted regularly since 1548.

INDONESIA - Pawon & Mendut

The Pawon, Mendut and Borobudur Temple is located on a straight line, suggesting there was a symbolic meaning that binds these temples.

INDONESIA - Borobudur

Borobudur is the largest Buddhist monument in the world that is located in Central Java, Indonesia. This famous Buddhist temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to 9th century during the Syailendra dynasty. It is 42km northwest of Yogyakarta and it is a must-go destination.

INDONESIA - Yogyakarta

The provincial capital and cultural centre, Yogyakarta (also known as Jogjakarta or simply Jogja) is the most popular tourist destination on Java, thanks to its proximity to the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan. In fact, Yogyakarta is the second most visited destination in Indonesia, losing out to Bali.

INDONESIA - Prambanan

Prambanan Temple, also known locally as Candi Loro Jonggrang or the Temple of the Slender Virgin, is the largest Hindu temple site in Indonesia and one of the most beautiful.
  
As one of the biggest in Southeast Asia, the 9th century compound has a collection of massive Hindu temples and is inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

INDONESIA - Solo

Sukarta or better known as Solo is a city in Central Java. Located just 30 minutes drive from the better known Yogyakarta, Solo has preserved much of its Javanese character which means that Solo is less touristy than Yogyakarta.

TURKEY– Istanbul Day 2

We visited the Topkapi Palace and enjoyed the Bosphorus cruise on day 2 in Istanbul.

TURKEY– Istanbul Day 1

The largest city in Turkey, Istanbul is the country’s economic, cultural and historical heart. The city is located on both sides of Bosphorus which is on the European and Asian continent.

The city’s biggest draw is the Historic Areas of Istanbul which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Formerly known as Constantinople, the city was proclaimed the capital of the Byzantine Empire or Eastern Roman Empire. At point of writing, Istanbul with a population of 13.9 million, is the 2nd largest city by population in the world.

TURKEY–Asklepion & Troy

Asklepion was a healing temple in the Ancient Greece, built in the name of Aesculapius, God of Health and Medicine in Greek mythology. Built as early as the 4th century BC, it was not until the 2nd century the Asklepion gained prominence under the Romans.

Located on the slopes of Mount Geyikli of which springs were believed to have healing effects. Not only the Asklepion was the world’s famous ancient medical centre but it is also the world’s first psychiatric hospital.

TURKEY – Sirince Village

Sirince Village is an old village located on the hills, situated at 12km away from Ephesus. It is famous for its wine and beautiful scenery.

TURKEY – Ephesus

Ephesus, located on the West Coast of Turkey, next to Selcuk is an ancient Greek city and later a major Roman city. Famed for the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), Ephesus is also mentioned in the Book of Revelation as one of the seven churches of Asia.

The ancient city of Ephesus is the jewel in the crown of Turkey’s archaeological sites which was once famed for its beauty and wealth. Founded in the 13th century BC, it had become a major Aegean Port with a population of more than 300,000 by the end of the first century BC. By the time of Augustus Caesar, it was the capital of Roman Asia.

In 27 BC, when Augustus became emperor, he made Ephesus the capital of proconsular Asia and it was second in importance and size only to Rome.

TURKEY - Pamukalle

Pamukkale or in Turkish, the name literally means Cotton Castle, is a natural site in Denizli Province in south-western Turkey. Naturally, the highlight of Pamukkale is the Cotton Castle.

But other than the natural wonder of Cotton Castle, there is the ancient city of Hierapolis. Just above the bizarre calcium cliff bathing pool, is the ruins of Hierapolis. Both Pamukkale and Hierapolis was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.